You are here:

Expert Outpatient Rehabilitation Services

When Liz Morton heard a popping sound in her knee, she knew it wasn’t a good sign. An avid weekend skier, Liz fell during the second run of her 2012 winter season and tore her Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL). To say she was disappointed is an understatement.

Her first ever ski injury, this was serious. After driving to the Rutland Regional Medical Center from the ski mountain, Liz had an MRI and a consultation with Dr. Boynton, one of the orthopaedists from Rutland Regional’s Vermont Orthopaedic Clinic. He confirmed her diagnosis of a torn ACL and they discussed her options.

Treatments for an ACL tear may include physical therapy, surgery, or a combination of both, but for Liz, having surgery was just not practical. The active working mom of a 14 year old, she did not want to be immobilized by a complicated surgery and a long recovery.

With the goal of avoiding surgery, Liz opted for physical therapy treatment at Rutland Regional to stabilize and strengthen her knee and leg. Working with a great team of physical therapists, assistants and even volunteers, she was back on her feet, and on skis, before the end of the season.

Liz’s biggest challenge was fitting her therapy into her already busy life. That’s where the continuity of care available at Rutland Regional made such a difference. “Everything was so convenient. My MRI, orthopaedist and therapists were all right next door to each other so I didn’t have to go to different locations.” The rehab team at Rutland Regional worked with Liz to accommodate her schedule, and the atmosphere at the rehab center was so warm and welcoming she actually looked forward to her sessions as a highpoint of her week.

Best of all, the staff worked with her to accomplish her specific goals…to get strong, avoid surgery and get back to the activities she enjoys.